Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara

Saturday, November 23, 12:21 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in Green Bay for a Week 12 matchup with the Packers. Through two games since his return, McCaffrey hasn't quite been himself, producing 13.7 half-PPR points in Tampa before totaling 12.6 at home in last week's home loss to the Seahawks. Conspicuously, McCaffrey hasn't scored a touchdown since he came back. The last time he went two consecutive games without a touchdown was almost exactly two years ago, spanning 28 games including playoffs. Green Bay presents a good enough opportunity for McCaffrey to start a new streak, ranking in the exact middle of the NFL in fantasy points surrendered to running backs. Though CMC has proven to be matchup-proof during his time in San Francisco, the 49ers offense is limping into Lambeau. Quarterback Brocky Purdy (shoulder) has been ruled out -- ceding the start to backup Brandon Allen -- and future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable. Any volume boost created by the 49ers leaning more on McCaffrey is washed out by the likelihood that the offense becomes less efficient. McCaffrey is still a must-start high-end RB1 this week, but DFS players looking for maximum production out of a pricy back might rather have Saquon Barkley or De'Von Achane.

Monday, November 18, 2:16 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara handled 16 carries for 67 yards and caught all four of his targets for 22 receiving yards in Sunday's 35-14 win over the Browns. Kamara found enough space to take his first handoff 13 yards and had an 18-yard gain on the ground in the fourth quarter but was stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage seven times. It was the first time since Week 7 that he finished short of 100 scrimmage yards and it was his fifth straight week without a touchdown. The four targets were the fewest that Kamara has seen in a game since Week 3. His use in Week 11 was a surprising step back from the norm, considering how thin the Saints are on offense thanks to their recent spate of injuries. Kamara should return to being the focal point of New Orleans' attack after their Week 12 bye and has a favorable schedule for the fantasy playoffs including a matchup against the Raiders in the championship round.